Gas cooking is associated with small reductions in lung function in children.

H. Moshammer, T. Fletcher, J. Heinrich, G. Hoek, F. Hruba, S. Pattenden, P. Rudnai, H. Slachtova, F.E. Speizer, R. Zlotkowska, M. Neuberger

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Inconsistent effects of gas cooking on lung function have been reported. In a previous study from Austria, we demonstrated a significant, though small, reduction of lung function parameters in children living in homes with gas stoves. We used a larger international database to check if this finding can be generalised. To study the relative impact of cooking with gas on lung function parameters of primary school children in a wide range of geographical settings, we analysed flow and volume data of approximately 24,000 children (aged 6-12 yrs) from nine countries in Europe and North America. Exposure information was obtained by comparable questionnaires and spirometry according to an American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society protocol. Linear regressions were used, controlling for individual risk factors and study area. Heterogeneity between study-specific results and mean effects were estimated using meta-analytical tools. On average, gas cooking reduced lung function parameters. Overall effects were small (-0.1-0.7%) and only significant for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. There was some indication that allergic children were more affected by gas cooking. Under current housing conditions, gas cooking is associated with only small reductions in lung function.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)249-254
    Number of pages6
    JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal
    Volume36
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

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